Tough But Fair

Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine print subscribers next month
will begin to receive Redmond Magazine. Despite many of the negative
comments we've heard about the name change (I'd point them out on our Web site,
but I'm sure you can Google them), we've heard quite a few of you tell us "I
get it!" (that from an listener, via e-mail, in response to a recent MCP
Radio show asking for your feedback).

If you're one of the lucky few who qualifies for a subscription, many of you
will get magazine in the mail beginning September 28. You'll notice that favorites,
such as Bill Boswell, Roberta Bragg, Don Jones and Chris Brooke, will continue
to grace the pages with their unique tips on squeezing the most out of your
networks and systems.

Some things will be unique to Redmond. Editors have turned the traditional
software review on its ear in what they're calling "Your Turn." Your
Turn highlights key Microsoft and third-party software as it's being implemented
by IT pros just like you, with their insights and comments on what works and
what can get you into trouble.

As well, you can expect journalistic features, like the one in the October
issue from Redmond editors Scott Bekker, Keith Ward and Lafe Low, who
offer Bill Gates a performance review in his transformation as chief software
architect. The presidential election is approaching and Redmond covers it too,
in its unique way, with Scott sleuthing the contributions key Microsoft executives
have made to the candidates thus far.

Redmond is the evolution of Microsoft Certified Professional,
with Redmond aiming to be an independent voice, speaking for and to readers
who want coverage of Microsoft and the companies that play in its backyard,
coverage that's "tough but fair," as we've been repeating like a mantra
here in the editorial offices.

Redmond will also debut a new Web site in the coming weeks, Redmondmag.com,
which will allow the editors and contributing writers to expand on the coverage
in the print magazine in ways that only can be done online.

So, where does that leave the IT professional who still wants certification-related
information? That's where MCPmag.com comes in. We'll continue to review
exams and books and training, revisit the certification process as it evolves,
examine changes within and external to the Microsoft Learning group and the
impact those changes will have on you, and inform you on the site and in the
newsletters as events unfold.

MCPmag.com will also continue its tradition of offering tactical, technical
information, with "Boswell's
Q&A" and "Don
Jones' Windows Tip Sheet" on a weekly basis, plus some new, features
that provide that information with a certification perspective on a periodic
basis.

It's more of what you want, in print and online, from two new sources and one
that's been your ongoing certification companion. Let us know how we can continue
to serve you. Write me at mdomingo@101com.com.

About the Author

Michael Domingo has held several positions at 1105 Media, and is currently the editor in chief of Visual Studio Magazine.